Northside’s Markee’ player

Tuesday

This receiver isn’t just “Markee” in name only, although the size of Northside senior Shadell Markee would show otherwise, despite being a key player for the undefeated Monarchs.

This receiver isn’t just “Markee” in name only, although the size of Northside senior Shadell Markee would show otherwise, despite being a key player for the undefeated Monarchs.

Before practice Monday, Markee walked onto the field alongside Northside’s marquee wide receiver Josh Cabrera. The difference was noticeable between the 6-3, 185-pound Cabrera, a junior, and Markee, a senior who stands only 5-7 and weighs in at 152 pounds.

But while Cabrera is more well-known than his smaller receiver counterpart, Markee has provided Northside (10-0, 6-0 East Central 2-A Conference) just as many key plays as his teammate.

And that’s from both sides of the ball.

“Shadell is a guy who last year was a reserve, he waited for his time and he’s worked hard,” Northside coach Bob Eason said. “Offensively, he’s quick, he’s got good hands, he catches the ball well and he blocks well. Defensively at cornerback, he’s been great and he’s gotten some interceptions. Even though he’s not the tallest guy, he stays right there with his man.”

The 17-year-old Markee doesn’t let his small statute deter him from contributing for the Monarchs, ranked second in The Associated Press state 2-A poll.

Markee has played bigger than his small frame for Northside, which hosts rival and eighth-ranked East Duplin (9-1, 6-0) on Friday night in a game that will determine the ECC’s champion and perhaps a top seed in the NCHSAA playoffs.

“I just try to bring speed,” said Markee, adding his 40-yard dash time is 4.5 seconds. “I just like to get the ball, and once I get it, it’s all open field.”

The smaller receiver has proven to be dangerous despite having just one touchdown catch. Cabrera is certainly the Monarchs’ deep threat, averaging 21.9 yards per reception. But Markee gets many of his catches by using his speed through the middle of the field. He averages 18 yards per grab.

Markee had 4 receptions for 36 yards in a 35-0 win over White Oak to open the season Aug. 17, had a 22-yard touchdown catch Sept. 7 to help the Monarchs pull away for a 34-21 win over Wilson Fike and added 3 catches for 76 yards in a 35-3 victory over South Lenoir on Oct. 5.

He’s clearly someone who has made the job easier for the Northside quarterbacks.

“He brings good hands, he’s fast and he’s physical,” said sophomore quarterback Courtney Piatt, who became the Monarchs’ signal-caller against South Lenoir after starter Jake Erickson was hurt. “He’s a pretty big weapon for us and I’m confident in him.”

Markee was asked how his contributions differ from those of Cabrera.

“Josh has leaping ability and he runs more fades, posts and go-routes, and I get the short routes and quick hitters,” said Markee, who credited Pollock for helping him improve as a receiver. “We have a chance to split the defense up because they can’t focus on just one person. When I get the ball I can make things happen.”

That’s even true when Markee lines up on defense.

He has four interceptions to go along with 22 tackles and 7 pass breakups. In Northside’s 12-0 win over Jacksonville on Aug. 31, Markee returned an interception 39 yards to the Cardinals’ 13-yard line to set up a touchdown.

“I just like being on the field,” Markee said.

Perhaps he has good reason to feel that way.

Markee saw limited playing time last year, his first at Northside after his military family moved to the area from Charlotte. He played behind a pair of senior receivers in Ettian Scott and Mike Pinto.

Markee said he learned how to be a playmaker for the Monarchs. Now, all that education has paid off, and Markee hopes to contribute Friday night in the ECC championship tilt.

“It will probably be the biggest game in my football career,” Markee said. “Offensively, on running plays, I got to block and get open blocks for Josh on punt returns and kick returns, and my route have to be crisp. I can’t give off tendencies.

“On defense, during pass plays I have to intercept the ball, which is something I love to do. I also have to make my tackles.”

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